Twist in Nong Cartoon Case: 11 Years On, Mother Renews Legal Battle After Daughter’s ICU Fight
BANGKOK — May 5, 2025 — Nearly 11 years after a devastating crash that killed her husband and left her young daughter bedridden with severe brain injuries, Saranya Chamni is once again in the spotlight — not for seeking sympathy, but for justice long denied.
Her daughter, Nong Cartoon (Narasiri), now 16, has been battling a severe lung infection and has remained in the ICU for three weeks, reliant on a ventilator. At one point, Saranya publicly considered ending her daughter’s suffering — a post that triggered not condemnation, but a nationwide wave of empathy and renewed anger at a justice system seen as deeply flawed.
A Life-Altering Crash
The tragedy began on Sept 19, 2014, when then 22-year-old Namphueng Jaisangiam lost control of her illegally modified pickup during a street race and slammed into Lung Yai Steakhouse in Bang Bon. The crash killed Saranya’s husband, Phanuthat Saksitphan, who shielded Nong Cartoon from the impact. She survived — but with 75% brain function loss, blindness, and complete immobility.
Legal Injustice
Namphueng, later changing her name to Wanthanan Phiewkliang, served only one year in prison, with her sentence reduced for good behavior and a guilty plea. She was ordered to pay 6.3 million baht in damages — of which only 40,000 baht was ever received.
Saranya has since struggled to cover monthly care costs that once exceeded 100,000 baht, receiving no meaningful support from the defendant. Making matters worse, Namphueng allegedly hid or transferred her assets to avoid payment — an act she boasted about in a 2014 Facebook post, mocking the victim’s family and vowing not to pay.
With the civil judgment’s 10-year statute of limitations expiring in September 2024, many believed the legal path was closed. However, new avenues may be available.
Legal Hope Rekindled
According to legal experts and officials:
- Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong said asset enforcement might still be extended, particularly under human rights provisions.
- Kosolwat Inthuchanyong, director-general at the Attorney General’s Office, suggested that Saranya could pursue criminal charges for fraudulent concealment of assets, which bypasses the civil statute of limitations.
This would require investigating past asset transfers, potentially exposing Namphueng to new legal jeopardy.
A Mother’s Pain, a Nation’s Reflection
As Saranya reopens her legal fight, she has also reopened her steakhouse and continues to update her daughter’s 219,000 followers on Facebook. Her story has become a symbol of systemic failure, but also of a mother’s resilience.
“I called her name,” Saranya said. “She opened her eyes. Her fingers moved. I knew I couldn’t give up.”
Calls are growing for authorities to enforce judgments more effectively and to close legal loopholes that allow convicted offenders to evade responsibility.
